Detail uit het schilderij De Slag bij Waterloo 1789 - 1853

Jan Willem Pieneman made this drawing, a detail from The Battle of Waterloo, using graphite on paper. The very qualities of this medium, the soft gray tonality and delicate lines, give the image a sense of immediacy. Pieneman's hand is evident in every stroke, and the drawing feels spontaneous. Look closely, and you will see the ways in which the medium influences our perception: the graphite allows Pieneman to capture fleeting moments. The use of shading adds depth and dimension to the figures, while the subtle variations in tone create a sense of atmosphere. The rough texture of the paper adds another layer of tactility. In terms of its social context, it is worth remembering that graphite pencils were relatively new at this time, having been industrialized in the 19th century. The immediacy of graphite meant that it was often used to create preliminary sketches for larger paintings, such as this one. Considering the amount of work that went into this preparatory sketch, it’s important to remember that the process and materials contribute greatly to our understanding of the artwork, and its relationship to history.